In a bid to escape the hustle and bustle of vibrant Hong Kong for a few hours, I found myself dangling hundreds of feet above the South China Sea encased, safely I hoped, in a special Crystal Cabin Ngong Ping Cable Car. I was headed toward Lantau Island and the spectacular 112 foot tall Tian Tan Buddha - also known as the Big Buddha. Once on land, I made my way to the Po Lin Monastary where I joined the throng of people climbing some 200 steps to the base of the Buddha. Reaching the base I paused, looking up with awe at the serene visage shrouded in mist before stepping inside this glorious monument to the past - and the present.